Lawrence of Arabia became disillusioned and spurned contemporary acclaim

Posted in Heroes and Heroines, Historical articles, History on Thursday, 9 August 2012

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This edited article about T E Lawrence originally appeared in Look and Learn issue number 762 published on 21st August 1976.

T E Lawrence, picture, image, illustration

Lawrence of Arabia

T. E. Lawrence, now popularly known as “Lawrence of Arabia”, was born on August 15th, 1888.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Turkey joined forces with Germany against Britain and her allies. The Arab people, long under the domination of occupying Turkish armies, rose in revolt. It was Lawrence who led and inspired that revolt. He lived among the Arabs, dressed as one of them and rapidly gained their trust.

The Arabs wanted complete independence from Turkey, and Lawrence assured them that, if they rose in rebellion to aid Britain and her allies, they would achieve their aim.

The success of the war in Arabia was due largely to Lawrence’s efforts. But when it was over and Arabia did not gain full independence, Lawrence felt he had betrayed their trust in him. He retreated from the publicity and honours which surrounded the legend of “Lawrence of Arabia,” changed his name to Shaw and joined the Royal Air Force.

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